Enterprise Resource Planning in Apparel Industry
Abstract:
 Enterprise resource planning is defined asAn accounting-oriented information system for identifying and planning the enterprise wide resources needed to take, make, ship, and account for customer orders. An ERP system differs from the typical MRPII system in technical requirements such as a graphical user interface, relational database, use of fourth-generation language, and computer assisted software engineering tools in development, client/server architecture, and open-system portability. More generally, a method for the effective planning and control of all resources needed to take, make, ship, and account for customer orders in a manufacturing, distribution, or service company
Enterprise resource planning systems are the connection between the plant floor and the supply chain. Taxonomy of information systems for textiles has been previously proposed
An Internet based survey instrument was developed and an invitation to participate was sent to the members of the electronic discussion list of APICS Textile and Apparel Specific Interest Group. This list mainly includes people interested in planning and logistics in the textile and allied industries. Twenty-five usable responses were received. Summarizing the types of manufacturing, sales volume, job title, respectively. Because many respondents listed several types of manufacturing operation the percentages do not total to 100%. The responses represented the many segments of the textile industry from fibers to end products.
The functions that the respondents indicated were included in their ERP system. Three to fifteen different modules were reported as being included in each implementation. The most common functions are materials management, production control and sales. There was not sufficient data to conduct a statistical cluster analysis of functions by vendor, industry segment, or company; however, the number of modules reported varied even among companies with the same software. This could be due to the perception of the respondent and differences in implementations. Also, there is no standard description for naming each function. None of the respondents identified themselves as vendors so these numbers more likely represent a user’s perspective.
ERP software packages:
ERP software packages used by the respondents and provides links to company’s website. Datatec was the most frequently listed package. It is a software program designed for the textile industry while many of the other packages serve multiple industry segments. Three of the respondents had systems developed in house or used a best-of-breed approach combining modules of several vendors. A comprehensive listing of ERP systems for many industries is found in and a directory of ERP systems specific to textiles is available from APICS
ERP Software
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Software Name
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Website
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ACS Optima
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Bann
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BPCS
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Datatex
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Intenia MovexFashion
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J D Edwards
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PointMan
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SAP
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SyteFashion
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None found
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Each respondent was able to list up to five factors they considered important in software selection. The most frequent responses could be summarized as: fit of the software to the textile and apparel industry, cost, support and maintenance, flexibility and functionality. Also, users want the software to integrate to specific systems, such as data collection, financials, and forecasting. Users also consider factor such as vendor stability, number of customers, and a proven record in textiles.
System Implementation:
Respondents were asked what they thought were the main barriers to implementing an ERP system. The most frequently cite barriers were:
· Resistance to change
· Lack of top management support
· User training & education
Linkages:
Systems Linked to ERP
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Function
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Software
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Website
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Advanced Planning & Scheduling
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i2
Manugistics
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Business Intelligence
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Board
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Customer Resource Management
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Omina
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Financials & Accounting
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Forecasting
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Futurion
Demand Solutions
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Manufacturing Execution Systems
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Camstar
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Supply Chain Management
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i2
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Electronic Commerce:
Companies were also asked about their use of electronic commerce applications. As shown in figure 7 companies are using conventional EDI, have websites, and have an intranet. They do not have an extranet or web based e-commerce. Table 3 lists some of the business-to-business textile exchanges. Less than 20% of the respondents traded in any of these exchanges. Also, since this survey was conducted many of these exchanges no longer exist.
Table 3 Textile B2B
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Name
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Website
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ATMI Auction site
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BuyTextiles.com
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TexTrade
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ClickTex
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Fabria Soft goods marketplace
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Fabria.com
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TextileGarment
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FiberDealer
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“STAGE” system flow in Apparel Industry:
Enterprise Resource Planning if done properly is the key to the success of a Business Enterprise.
Any ERP particularly for Apparel should be able to integrate information not only across departments but also across locations as well as across processes.
The variables in the Apparel industry are very high. Hence any ERP for this industry should be able to capture information and classify the same into meaningful MIS Reports which would help the management and the respective departments to identify bottle necks in order to streamline the flow of information and work.
Today ‘STAGE' is the most comprehensive ERP for the Apparel Business. No other Apparel ERP solution in the world gives as much integration as STAGE does.
STAGE – ‘The ERP' Software can handle various types of fabric material such as knit and woven as well as the countless accessories that go into a garment. It can handle any Apparel Product Manufacturing like fashion wear, Denim wear, Intimate wear, Jackets, Trousers, Blazers, Shirting, Home Furnishing etc.
STAGE is not just an Apparel ERP but can also handle, Textile Manufacturing namely Fabric and Yarn Manufacturing.
PROMAN – The Production Management Software is an extension of STAGE which takes care of all the operations on the shop floor like Time Study, Production Planning, Production Tracking, Bundle Ticket Generation, GarmentQC and hundreds of report formats.
Do ask us for a meeting / presentation and we shall be happy to show some best business practices which STAGE can implement for your Apparel Business.
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Time saved by using stage system flow:
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TIME SAVED BY USING STAGE
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ACTIVITY
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TIME TAKEN (MINS.)
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MANUAL/ EXCEL
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STAGE
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Remarks
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Order Entry
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10
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20
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Merchandiser has to key in full details
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BOM Calculation
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60-300 (depending on complexity)
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20
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BOM Recalculation(If Buyer changes order qty,
fabric / trims spec )
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30-180
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2
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Automatic Email Shooting
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Passing PO Copy to Stores, Vendor, Accounts
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??
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Immediate
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Automatic Email Shooting
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MIS Report for Reviewing Status of all Running Styles
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not possible ??
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2
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Replying to Buyer's Queries
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60??
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2
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Generate Report and Mail
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Export - Import
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100%
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25%
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Inventory (Receipts, QC
Issues and Stock Reports)
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100%
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10%
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Seamlessly integrate information system:
Most garment Manufacturers/ Exporters / Buying Houses work at multiple locations. So there is a need to seamlessly integrateinformation across all locations in order to generate meaningful MIS
Reports
Stage Web Exchange synchronizes data between database at multiple locations using the internet/ intranet. The frequency of synchronization could be decided by the user. Hence for all practical purposes the customer is on a wide area net work and band width is not an issue.
We thus have the best of both worlds -client server and the internet. Web Exchange offers you a solution which is Accurate, Reliable and Cost effective.
Apparel computer systems for ERP:
Selecting from a range of proven packaged software and hardware solutions, XeBusiness's experienced consultants will work with you to implement the best Apparel Computer Systems software for your business. The system is particularly suitable for small to medium sized companies and could, at entry level, be a single personal computer with one or two of our standard Apparel software modules designed to meet all of your company's requirements
XeBusiness are Apparel Industry specialists. With many years experience supplying Apparel Computer Systems, we are the ideal company to satisfy your requirements with a system built for the Apparel industry. We pride ourselves in offering a turnkey service including hardware, software, project management and implementation and training. Both Pre and Post sales consultants with substantial experience in the Apparel sector will work with you to enable the effective introduction and on-going development of your Apparel Computer System.
As a result of our rolling programme of extensive software development, you will be able to take full advantage new features and facilities as they are released. This process is driven by continual feedback from our large installed base of Apparel Sector users. This focus on apparel ensures that the Xe-ERP Apparel Computer System is not only right for today but will grow and develop in line with the Apparel Industry's changing needs for years to come.
ERP refers to Enterprise Resource Planning software. In general, ERP is an industry term for the broad set of activities supported by multi-module application software that help a manufacturer or other business manage the important parts of its business, including product planning, parts purchasing, maintaining inventories, interacting with suppliers, providing customer service, and tracking orders. Typically, an ERP system uses or is integrated with a relational database system. In practice, ERP does not live up to its acronym. It does not do much about planning or resource planning.
To be concise, ERP software offers the following benefits:
1. ERP integrates all aspects of the business processes including: manufacturing, design, customer services, financial, sales and distribution. By integrating business processes and people anywhere in your company, you can enjoy more efficient work flow and improved productivity.
2. Nowadays, retailers and consumers push for lower prices, better quality and quicker delivery. ERP implementation shows your determination to head for that direction. Confidence of your business partners and consumers will be increased.
3. ERP provides the right information to the right people at the right time anywhere in the world, enabling you to improve productivity, enhance decision making and promote communication between coworkers, customers and vendors
4. For better ERP software, it helps to reduce or eliminate duplicate work, and automates operational tasks and provides easy access to information. ERP, therefore, can deliver significant time savings.
5. Advanced ERP software has the ability to be customized to the extent that screens can be remodeled, fields can be edited and the architecture modified through progressive installation processes. In addition, advanced ERP software can be operated in a secured, web-based environment. These features provide flexibility and convenience in implementation and operation.
6. Some multi-lingual ERP software can perform automatic translation enables almost every style detail to be viewed in several languages including English, Chinese, and etc. It improves the effectiveness of communication.
7. Manufacturing companies often find that multiple business units across the company make the same widget using different methods and computer systems. ERP standardizes the manufacturing processes and improve quality.
8. ERP helps business process flow more smoothly and improves the efficiency of fulfillment process. It leads to reduced inventory.
Apparel ERP Software
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Fully integrated, VAI's S2K Enterprise for Apparel Distributors is apparel ERP software that includes modules focusing on every facet of your industry. With the shift to overseas manufacturing, retail consolidation challenges and increased competition, Apparel Distributors face challenges unlike other industries. S2K Enterprise for Apparel combines advanced IBM technology with apparel ERP software designed by professionals who understand the Apparel industry. This comprehensive suite of apparel industry software solution will enhance and improve all aspects of your highly specific business.
VAI’s apparel ERP software allows you to leverage technology to transform your business and meet the unique demands of the apparel industry. With VAI’s apparel industry software solution, you will create efficiencies throughout the organization, improve operational processes, expand relationships with suppliers, continually improve customer satisfaction, and stay ahead of your domestic and international competition.
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Conclusion:
Textile companies are looking for ERP solutions to fit their specific needs. Both generic and textile specific packages are been used in the industry. The barriers to implementation in textiles seem similar to those in other industries. Textiles uses electronic commerce in the form of traditional EDI, but not electronic marketplaces, which have see lots of changes in the last year.
Textile companies are looking to integrate their ERP systems with supply chain management and business intelligence systems. The Gartner group has now coined the phrase ERP II. ERP II systems address the issues of sharing information across the supply chain with trading partners. It is expected that these systems will not be deployed till 2005; however, companies will move towards this new model. Software vendors will provide solutions for specific industries.
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